University of Utah plans robotic observatory in Southern Utah

Utah's amateur astronomers have long known that some of the country's best observing is available in the southern part of the state. Now those stellar conditions have prompted the University of Utah to plan a robotic observatory there.

In fact, the U.'s project could be the first of a series of optical observatories to be built in the region, says Dave Kieda, professor of physics at the university.

Last week, the university announced that the Willard L. Eccles Foundation had donated $600,000 so the U. could build "a 32-inch (diameter), research-class, optical telescope in southern Utah."

The reflector, with its massive mount and tracking machinery, would be housed in an observatory whose location is not yet determined. It would be run by remote control, giving observers the chance to use the instrument without driving to it.

Besides researchers and university students, the telescope could be used for public star parties and astronomy camps. It could provide "dedicated observing time for high school, middle schools and community groups," according to the U.'s press release.

Although huge in terms of privately owned telescopes, the instrument is not large for a research facility. But scientists are carrying out important work with relatively small telescopes, Kieda noted.

"Because we own it, we can point it at whatever we want. . . . We can be free to explore and try a lot of surveying."

If something unusual turns up, the operators could seek a closer look using the Hubble Space Telescope or another big 'scope. "That's how a lot of science is getting done right now," Kieda added.

The university is already looking at several possible sites, he said, speaking by phone from Tucson, Ariz. The sites are dry settings at 9,500 to 11,000 feet altitude, outside proposed wilderness areas and with minimum light pollution.

According to the U., potential sites for the newly-announced optical observatory include Boulder and Parker mountains on the Aquarius Plateau near Loa, Wayne County; near Escalante; Frisco Peak about 20 miles west of Milford, Beaver County; and John's Valley near Hatch, Garfield County. But university officials emphasize they may examine other areas.

By mid-September the search should be narrowed to one or two places. Next, planners will talk to counties and mayors of nearby localities about the proposal.

"In the meantime the telescope will be on order," said Kieda.